All India Lawyers’ Union’s Third Maharashtra State Conference Calls for Judicial Reforms
BuzzBytes November 28, 2023* The Third Maharashtra State Conference of the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU) convened in Mumbai on November 25, 2023, concluded with a steadfast commitment to advocate for a more robust judicial system. Under the guidance of Adv. Babasaheb Wavalkar, State President, and Adv. Chandrakant Bojgar, State Secretary, legal luminaries gathered to address critical issues and propose resolutions for a more equitable legal landscape.
Renowned Supreme Court lawyer, Adv. P.V. Surendranath, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the growing threat of communal ideology in the country. He called on lawyers to play a pivotal role in upholding democratic values and safeguarding the principles enshrined in the Indian constitution. The event saw the re-election of Adv. Babasaheb Wavalkar as State President and Adv. Chandrakant Bojgar as State Secretary.
The conference echoed support for a resolution inspired by the Kerala model, urging the Maharashtra State Government to provide a monthly stipend of ₹5000 to junior lawyers below 30 years of age, with less than three years of experience and an annual income of less than ₹1 lakh.
The Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill, 2023, addressing violence, intimidation, and harassment against lawyers, was lauded. The conference called for the implementation of a similar Advocate Protection Act in Maharashtra, ensuring the safety and security of legal professionals.
A resolution urging the Maharashtra Government to endorse peace and condemn Israel’s Gaza war and advocate for the liberation of Palestine was presented, emphasizing the lawyers’ commitment to global justice.
Highlighting the need for Supreme Court benches in different states, including Mumbai, lawyers came together to demand the establishment of a Supreme Court bench in Mumbai, Maharashtra, for expedited, affordable, and effective justice.
Recognizing infrastructural challenges within the judiciary, a resolution was proposed to enhance basic facilities for lawyers, including administrative offices, mediation centers, proper parking space, and improved court premises.
The conference concluded with the election of a new state committee, with Adv. Babasaheb Wavalkar as President, Adv. Adinath Tiwari as Vice-President, Adv. Chandrakant Bojgar as General Secretary, Adv. Pradeep Salvi as Joint Secretary, and Adv. Viswas Awaghade as Treasurer. Sixteen committee members were also elected to steer AILU’s endeavors over the next three years.
Five delegates were selected to represent Maharashtra at the upcoming national convention in Kolkata on December 28, 29, and 30, where broader issues concerning the legal fraternity will be deliberated.
The Third Maharashtra State Conference of AILU concludes with a renewed commitment to advocate for justice, uphold democratic values, and address pressing issues within the legal system. The resolutions passed reflect the lawyers’ dedication to effecting positive change in the legal landscape, both at the state and national levels.
